If you have wavy hair, opt for volumizing products that won’t weigh it down, such as this curl-enhancing mousse which earned high scores from Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests. Also, look for shampoos and conditioners that won’t leave it limp and lifeless.
Type 1
If your strands fall evenly across your head with only occasional unnoticeable bends or bumps, you may have pin-straight hair with no discernible curl pattern. While technically, this doesn’t qualify as wavy or curly hair, adding volume and texture with lightweight curl cremes won’t weigh down strands too much.
Moderately wavy hair
It falls in loose S-shaped waves or ringlets and is the first subcategory of wavy hair types; its loose coils make styling much easier than type 3 or 4 varieties. Still susceptible to frizz, short hair requires constant product conditioning both during the shower and post-shower for smoothness and frizz-free locks. Try our Lite Hold Hair Cream Gel to maintain smooth strands!
Type 2
Wavy hair is an easy texture to style and maintains, holding its shape with little frizz or frizziness – ideal for wearable types like braiding. Volume can be added through volumizing mousse or wearing a scarf before sleeping; humidity, however, can create flattening, frizz, and oiliness of this texture type. DiMeo recommends choosing lightweight styling products and layering too many products to their weight from weighing the hair down. She suggests using sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip natural oils from your scalp and help preserve healthy locks.
Type 3
Wavy locks feature an “S” shape and thicker fibers than straight hair, creating waves. Wavy hair may be dry; however, maintaining an effective shampooing routine with sulfate-free shampoo every two or three days and air drying and styling with lightweight products will keep it nourished and healthy.
Type 4
“Kinky and coily,” commonly called kinky and oily hair, forms from an angled or “c-shaped” follicle and features tight, S-shaped, or zigzag curl patterns with coarse or curly characteristics. Curly hair textures that fall within this category are typically delicate, so for maximum care and moisture retention, it is best to utilize thicker natural emollients like shea butter to keep them hydrated and avoid shrinkage from over-managing or excessive heat styling. Otherwise, it may experience severe shrinkage that results in breakage of this texture type. Three subtypes are within this category, distinguished by the diameter and shape of their curl patterns. For instance, 4a hair features loose S-shaped coils around the size of a crochet needle, while 4b and 4c have tighter S or zigzag curls.
